Tuesday Letter

The Tuesday Letter
Agricultural Experiment Station & Cooperative Extension Service

Vol. 14, No. 12 February 5, 2008

IN THIS ISSUE...

...Word from the Associate Director - Extension and Applied Research
...Reminder to Complete Survey
...Interviews for Associate Director, Research and Technology Transfer Announced
...Farewell Reception for Forrest Chumley
...Thank You from Denise Sullivan
...2008 Kansas 4-H SpaceTech Educators' Workshop Cancelled
...Nebraska Extension to Guide Interpersonal Skill Development Workshop in February
...Register Soon for Conflict Management Professional Development Workshop
...KSRE Youth Development Program Focus Team Hosts First Annual KS Advancing Youth Development Institute
...2008 FNP Junior Master Gardener "Health and Nutrition from the Garden" Workshops
...4-H Records/KAA Taskforce Efforts Available for Comment
...Spring Grounds Maintenance Workshops
...Mark Your Calendars
...Marie's Pick of the Week
...January Extension Agent Personnel Changes
...Publications/Production Services Update
...Master Schedule

...Tuesday Letter Archives

WORD FROM THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - EXTENSION AND APPLIED RESEARCH
I want to express the great importance that each and every one of you who are an employee of K-State Research and Extension complete the Change Agent State for Diversity Climate Survey. My thanks to the 300+ of you who have completed it. Some of you might not think you are supposed to do it, but in fact you are. If you are an office professional, program assistant, graduate student, and on and on with titles, YOU SHOULD COMPLETE THE SURVEY! If you got the e-mail originally, YOU SHOULD COMPLETE THE SURVEY. And, time is running short.

The survey will remain open this week, but will be closed by next Monday, February 11. The link to the survey is given below in the reminder message.

And, thanks to each of you who has taken the time to complete the survey already. And, thanks to those of you who get it completed this week! The information collected through that survey will be vital to the work and focus of the catalyst team in their upcoming deliberations. --Daryl Buchholz dbuchhol@ksu.edu

REMINDER TO COMPLETE SURVEY
Don't forget to complete the online Change Agent State for Diversity Survey and to encourage your office professionals and other colleagues to do so, too. We need this information from you to be able to appropriately address diversity needs in KSRE.

The survey can be accessed at the following address: https://online.survey.psu.edu/kstate .

--CAS Coordinators - Paula Peters, ppeters@ksu.edu ; and Zelia Wiley, zwh@ksu.edu

INTERVIEWS FOR ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER ANNOUNCED
The Search Committee is pleased to announce two candidates we will be interviewing for the Interim Associate Director for Research and Technology Transfer within the College of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension. This position has day to day responsibility for the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station.

Our candidates and their seminar times are as follows:

Dr. J. Ernest Minton, Professor of Animal Science and Industry, will present a seminar at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 13, in the K-State Alumni Center Ballroom B.

Dr. C. Michael Smith, Professor of Entomology, will present a seminar at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 14, in the K-State Alumni Center Ballroom B.

Information including each candidate's CV, full interview schedule, video streaming of seminars, and an online evaluation survey form is available at http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/seminars/InterimAssociateDirector.htm .

We hope you will plan to participate at the appropriate times in the interview schedule. Evaluation input to the search committee will need to be submitted on-line by no later than 8:00 a.m. Friday, February 15. --Daryl Buchholz, Search Committee Chair

FAREWELL RECEPTION FOR FORREST CHUMLEY
The College of Agriculture/K-State Research and Extension would like to recognize Forrest Chumley, Associate Director for Research and Technology Transfer, for his six years of service to the University. Dr. Chumley is taking a position as Vice President of Crop Development with Edenspace in Manhattan/Junction City.

Please join us for a reception in his honor on Friday, February 15, 2008, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Room 137 Waters Hall. There will be a brief ceremony at 12 noon. Light refreshments will be served.

Feel free to come and go as your schedule allows. --Fred Cholick fcholick@ksu.edu

THANK YOU FROM DENISE SULLIVAN
I would like to thank all of my 'extension family' for their thoughts, prayers, expressions of sympathy and memorial gifts in honor of my mother. Your support during this time has been incredible! --Denise Sullivan dsulliva@oznet.ksu.edu

2008 KANSAS 4-H SPACETECH EDUCATORS' WORKSHOP CANCELLED
The 2008 Kansas 4-H SpaceTech Educators’ Workshop sponsored by K-State Research and Extension and the Kansas 4-H SpaceTech Action Team has been cancelled for 2008. The event had been scheduled for February 9^th in Salina. Unfortunately, only 18 persons registered for the one-day training. That is not enough of a nucleus to offer the eight different workshops scheduled. The action team felt it was in the best interest of the Kansas 4-H program to cancel this year’s event. It regrets any inconvenience this may cause the registrants and families, and to county/district 4-H programs.

The Kansas 4-H SpaceTech Action Team beginning in fall 2008 is looking at offering more regionalized trainings for multi-county teams or district teams. For example, the XYZ District or two-to-five counties in an area might desire a rocketry, robotics or another training. The SpaceTech Action Team is willing to travel to the training location and present the training for a guaranteed number of participants. It might be 10-15. The district or counties would also have to pay a gas stipend, and pay for photocopying of materials and for the purchasing of workshop materials needed. It might also be possible to offer two workshops, if there were enough participants. The counties and districts would advertise and recruit participants based on that local area’s needs and family and school schedules.

Currently the SpaceTech Action Team emphasizes robotics, rocketry, aviation, astronomy and GPS, GIS/Technology projects. For more details about this new option, please contact Deryl Waldren, Extension 4-H Specialist. Call 785-462-6281, or e-mail him at dwaldren@ksu.edu . --Deryl Waldren

NEBRASKA EXTENSION TO GUIDE INTERPERSONAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP IN FEBRUARY
Sign up today for Community Development 101! This workshop is being led by skilled Extension Professionals from Nebraska, and follows curriculum developed through a multi- state community development consortium for the North Central Region. In this workshop, participants will focus on skills for group building, problem solving, addressing conflict, and working with tools to move groups forward in planning and project execution. These are the types of skills everyone needs for working with boards, committees, community groups and organizations!

Registration is easy. Print a registration form from the web found at http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/Employee_Resources/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=206 , or e-mail us at the PRIDE office at pride@ksu.edu with questions. Deadline for the workshop is February 18th.

The workshop will be held February 26-28 at the McPherson County Extension facility. --Dan Kahl dkahl@oznet.ksu.edu

REGISTER SOON FOR CONFLICT MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP
Seats are filling quickly for the Conflict Management Strategies for Extension Professionals Workshop, scheduled for March 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at K-State Salina.

Don't miss this great opportunity to:

* Assess your personal styles/approaches to dealing with conflict
* Learn how to recognize conflict and identify the drivers of conflict situations
* Develop communication skills & constructive behaviors to effectively manage conflict
* Practice positive interaction & facilitation of conflict situations based on real-life examples from Extension
* Gain insights & practical advice from seasoned Extension colleagues who manage conflict effectively

This workshop is a collaborative effort sponsored by the Leadership Development & Volunteer Development Program Focus Teams.

The registration fee is $50 and includes workshop materials, lunch, and parking permit. The deadline to register is February 22. Seating is limited to 30 participants. The workshop flyer and registration form are posted at www.oznet.ksu.edu/Employee_Resources/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=206 . --Robert Wilson rmwilson@k-state.edu

KSRE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOCUS TEAM HOSTS FIRST ANNUAL KS ADVANCING YOUTH DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE
The nationally recognized Advancing Youth Development (AYD) training will be presented by Jutta Dotterweich and Kay Telfer from Cornell University at the KS Advancing Youth Development Institute February 25-29, Rock Springs 4-H Center.

AYD, an interactive, applied course in positive youth development for front-line youth workers will be presented (February 25-27). A second course, "Strengthening Organizational Youth Development," which helps organizational leaders, board members and administrative staff learn how positive youth development principles can influence and strengthen their organizational policies and practices will be presented February 28-29 also at Rock Springs.

Scholarships are available to KSRE personnel to reduce the cost for both courses from $400 to $250. But there are only 30 slots available for scholarships so immediate registration is encouraged. Participants may also choose to attend one of the two courses at separate course rates.

Variable graduate credit is available through the K-State Division of Continuing Education for participants attending the complete, 24 contact hour AYD Institute.

Online registration is now available through Kansas 4-H Youth Development at www.kansas4-H.org/register . Or, contact Robin Curry, 4-H Administrative Assistant, rcurry@ksu.edu , 785- 532-5800, for registration information.

For more information about the KS AYD Institute, course content or sponsorship by the KSRE Youth Development Program Focus Team, contact Elaine Johannes, ejohanne@ksu.edu . --Elaine Johannes

2008 FNP JUNIOR MASTER GARDENER "HEALTH AND NUTRITION FROM THE GARDEN" WORKSHOPS
Two FNP Junior Master Gardener “Health and Nutrition from the Garden” workshops will be offered by the Department of 4-H Youth Development. Participants will gain hands-on experience with the Junior Master Gardener “Health and Nutrition from the Garden” curriculum. Emphasis will be placed on youth gardening programs that teach nutrition. Dates and locations for the FNP JMG workshops are:

Tuesday, March 11, Room 2024 Throckmorton Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS

Thursday, March 13, Bison Room, Sedgwick County Extension Education Center, 7001 W. 21st St. No, Wichita, KS

Workshops will begin with registration at 9:30 a.m., opening remarks at 10 a.m., and conclude at 3 p.m. The $20 registration fee includes lunch, materials and a notebook. Register online at www.4-h.ksu.edu . Click on the green “Register for 4-H events” button. Make checks payable to 4-H Youth Development. Family Nutrition Program staff can bill their FNP account. Registration deadline for the workshops is March 6, 2008.

For more information, contact Evelyn Neier, Kansas JMG Coordinator, at 316-722-0932 or eneier@ksu.edu . --Evelyn Neier

4-H RECORDS/KAA TASKFORCE EFFORTS AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT
The report and draft products of the 4-H Records/KAA Taskforce are now posted on the web. We are anxious to receive thoughts and opinions from staff with 4-H Youth Development responsibilities, especially of those working in counties/districts. The items can be found at http://www.kansas4-h.org/Agents/ .

Click on "4-H Records/KAA Taskforce Draft Documents." You will be prompted to enter your EID and password. Please send your thoughts to Gary Gerhard at ggerhard@ksu.edu and they will be distributed to the entire taskforce. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact any member of the taskforce, the names of whom are printed on our report. Local Extension Unit personnel will be notified via the counties listserv when new items are posted. We will be taking comments through February 29. --Gary W. Gerhard

SPRING GROUNDS MAINTENANCE WORKSHOPS
Four full-day Spring Grounds Maintenance workshops will be held throughout Kansas in March. . Each workshop is packed full of presentations and data from several research and extension specialists. You can read more about it by going to the web at www.KSUTurf.com .

March 5 in Newton - http://ksuturf.com/WkshpNewton.html
March 6 in Olathe - http://ksuturf.com/WkshpOlathe.html
March 19 in Salina - http://ksuturf.com/WkshpSalina.html
March 20 in Lawrence - http://ksuturf.com/WkshpLawrence.html

Attending the full day workshop entitles Kansas pesticide applicators to several hours of recertification credits towards their applicators' license. (4 credit hours in 3B and 3 credit hours in 3A)

If you have any questions, call Jill Sullivan at 913-856-2335, ext 101; js4801@ksu.edu . --Christy Dipman cdipman@ksu.edu

MARK YOUR CALENDARS
KCARE is sponsoring a one-day symposium on "The Sustainability of Biofuels Production and Processing in the Central Plains," Tuesday, September 16, 2008, at the K-State Alumni Center in Manhattan. Topics to be addressed include environmental and socioeconomic impacts, water use, utilization of distillers grains, and current situation and future challenges and opportunities for a "biofuture agriculture."

More information later; mark your calendars now. --Bill Hargrove bhargrov@ksu.edu

MARIE'S PICK OF THE WEEK
While continuing to review the Project Accomplishments and Impact Reports database for items especially effective at helping us understand how our work can be highlighted to share outcomes, impacts, and success stories, this week’s selection includes a variety of outcomes, success stories, and significant findings from several projects submitted by the Swine Team (Mike Tokach, Bob Goodband, Steve Dritz, Duane Davis, Jim Nelssen, Joel DeRouchey, Joe Hancock, Kevin Dhuyvetter, Leland McKinney, Joe Harner, Ernie Minton).

Actual Outcomes:
PROJECT-07 Managing Nutrient Composition of Swine Waste
Outreach was conducted jointly with the Kansas Pork Association and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to reach producers directly affected with rule changes as directed by the Environmental Protection Agency. Our swine extension team helped in program development and information delivery for swine producers on nutritional influences influencing manure content and tools for valuing manure. Swine CAFO operations staff must also be certified before they can apply manure from the operation, and recertification must take place every three years. Educational material for the recertification program was provided and presented at the recertification trainings in feed management and mortality handling techniques. These meetings were organized through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

We have built an excellent working relationship with our regulatory and pork association to assist swine producers, of all sizes, with the information to remain environmentally sound and compliant with state and federal law. This has increased our creditability with swine producers as another go-to place for information on environmental challenges they face.

Significant Findings:
PROJECT-01 Improving Productivity in Swine
Creep feeding improved survivability, but had no effects on pre-weaning gain and sow performance. These studies indicate that increasing the frequency of feeding from 2 to 6 times a day improves pig performance compared with feeding 2 times per day.

PROJECT-02 Reducing Feed Costs and PROJECT-06 Developing Feed Quality Control Programs
Because feed costs are a critical component of the cost of production, we work closely with Kansas producers in this area. We continue to formulate diets for approximately 70% of the pigs raised by independent family producers in Kansas. Direct formulation of diets for our producers allows us to quickly implement the new research findings across the entire Kansas industry. Results of several of research trials are highlighted here. Many of these concepts have already been incorporated into diets for our producers.

Success Stories:
Results of our K-State research were highlighted in numerous issues of the National Hog Farmer Magazine, which is the most widely distributed trade magazine for the swine industry. Our revamped website, www.KSUswine.org with the research reports and newly published 2007 KSU Swine Nutrition Guide is a frequent stop for many in the industry. Our nutrient recommendations and premix recommendations are being used as a standard by much of the industry. The early work on creep feeder design and feeding duration is being applied by producers and has led to companies approaching us about conducting further research in this area. -Marie Blythe mblythe@ksu.edu

JANUARY EXTENSION AGENT PERSONNEL CHANGES
Jill Deters, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent in Smith County, began employment on January 6, 2008. Her e-mail address is jmdeters@ksu.edu .

Sara Douglas, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent in Wabaunsee County, began employment on January 6, 2008. Her e-mail address is sdouglas@ksu.edu .

Layla El-Chami, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent in Sedgwick County, began employment on January 6, 2008. Her e-mail address is laylaze@ksu.edu .

Darci McGee, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent in Post Rock District, began employment on January 6, 2008. Her e-mail address is dmcgee1@ksu.edu .

Brian Waldschmidt, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent in Harper County, began employment on January 6, 2008. His e-mail address is ksuwally@ksu.edu .

Jodi Besthorn, 4-H Youth Development Agent in Sedgwick County, returned from sabbatical leave on January 26, 2008.

--Stacey Warner swarner@ksu.edu

PUBLICATIONS/PRODUCTION SERVICES UPDATE
Publication Orders Canceled
Orders for S51, "Kansas Garden Guide," have been canceled. The publication is undergoing a major revision and will not be available for spring use. We regret any inconvenience. --Nancy Zimmerli-Cates nancyz@ksu.edu

VIEW THE MASTER SCHEDULE OR ADD NEW ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

Submit corrections to previously submitted items to cthomas@ksu.edu .

DATES TAKEN FROM THE MASTER SCHEDULE FOR FEBRUARY 14 THROUGH FEBRUARY 20, 2008.

Thursday, February 14, 2008, 10:00 a.m. at Scott City
….Wheat Production School, Curtis Thompson cthompso@oznet.ksu.edu

Friday, February 15, 2008, 9:30-11:00 a.m. conference call
….Design for Learning, Margaret Phillips margaret@ksu.edu

Sunday, February 17 and Monday, February 18, 2008 in Topeka
….Citizenship in Action, Justin Wiebers jwiebers@ksu.edu

Monday, February 18, 2008 in the evening in Douglas County
….Soybean Whole Plant Health School, Billy Wood bdwood@oznet.ksu.edu

Monday, February 18 through Thursday, February 21, 2008 at KSU
….Local Office Operations Orientation, Jim Lindquist jlindqui@oznet.ksu.edu

Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at 1:15-3:45 p.m., Tentative
….True Colors Team Building Training, Connie Hoch choch@oznet.ksu.edu

Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. at Dodge City
….In Depth Weed Management School, Curtis Thompson cthompso@oznet.ksu.edu

Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. thru 12:00 p.m., Tentative
….Basic Awareness True Colors Training, Gayle Price gprice@oznet.ksu.edu

Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at 1:15-3:45 p.m., Tentative
….True Colors Team Building Training, Connie Hoch choch@oznet.ksu.edu

Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. in Pratt
….In Depth Weed Management School, Curtis Thompson cthompso@oznet.ksu.edu

Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Tentative
….Basic Awareness True Colors Training, Gayle Price gprice@oznet.ksu.edu

Wednesday, February 20 to Friday, February 22, 2008, San Diego, CA
….JCEP (NC and West Regions), Marie Blythe mblythe@ksu.edu

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